Modestas Bukauskas is looking to prove he's a top-15 light heavyweight at UFC Paris.

Bukauskas is set to take on Oumar Sy at UFC Paris in what should be a fan-friendly fight at light heavyweight. Bukauskas is coming off a decision win over Christian Edwards back in May in a lackluster fight, but it was an opponent change on short notice.

Although Bukauskas was originally booked to face Rodolfo Bellato, he didn't want it rebooked after he beat Edwards.

“This is perfect timing. I got back into training and was working on my skills. I was ready for whenever a call would come, and I fought in May, and this is a pretty quick turnaround,†Bukauskas said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “… I wouldn't want to have that fight. He is the one who pulled out on Tuesday. He had his chance; I am now looking ahead. Funny enough, Christian Edwards is now fighting Bellato. That ship has sailed, and I'm looking ahead.â€

With Bukauskas not wanting to face Bellato, he wasn't sure who would be next for him. Yet, when he was offered to face Oumar Sy at UFC Paris, he wasn't surprised this was the fight.

“I knew he might have been an opponent,†Bukauskas said. “We fought on the France card last year; we were in the same locker room. I have respect for him. Because the French card was coming up, and like putting European fighters on the European cards, I thought this might have been the avenue they might take. … Even though I am facing a hostile crowd, I love it.â€

Modestas Bukauskas looking to make a statement at UFC Paris

Entering UFC Paris, Modestas Bukauskas is the betting underdog, but he doesn't care about that. Instead, he believes he has the right game plan and tools to get his hand raised.

“He's a very well-rounded fighter, versatile striking. A good wrestler; we are coming in prepared. I have to take it to him. I have to put it on him on fight night,†Bukauskas said.

Should Bukauskas get his hand raised at UFC Paris, the goal is to get a ranked opponent next, and possibly a fourth fight in 2026 later this year.

“I think people kind of are overlooking that with a win hre is nine wins in the UFC light heavyweight division. Not many guys have that many wins. I had a bit of a setback against Krylov. I have to show I deserve a top guy, and the way to do it is beating Oumar Sy,†Bukauskas concluded.

Do you think Modestas Bukauskas will beat Oumar Sy at UFC Paris?

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Rising UFC middleweight contender Christian Leroy Duncan will fight in his first UFC main event against one of the division's toughest puzzles.

After Sean Strickland pulled off the monumental upset over Khamzat Chimaev earlier this year, the UFC's middleweight division is going through another transitional period. As Strickland prepares for his second championship stint, there's a slew of contenders waiting for shots at the title.

One such rising star is Christian Leroy Duncan, who has won five consecutive fights and is fresh off a unanimous decision win over Jared Cannonier in July. The talented UK standout is finally starting to perform up to the lofty potential many analysts felt he would live up to when he made his way to the UFC.

Duncan proved he's a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight title mix with his most recent victory over Cannonier. As Strickland's next fight remains uncertain, Duncan will clash against one of the division's hottest contenders in a highly anticipated headliner.

Christian Leroy Duncan set for title eliminator bout vs. Top 5 mainstay

As announced by the UFC on Tuesday, Duncan and No. 5 middleweight Brendan Allen will headline UFC Vegas 122 on October 10th. Allen has won three fights in a row since suffering back-to-back losses to Anthony Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov.

Allen returns to the Octagon after recent wins over Edmen Shahbazyan and Reinier de Ridder. The former Dana White's Contender Series standout has traded wins and losses in his UFC tenure, but is knocking on the door of a potential title shot.

UFC Vegas 122 features a strawweight showdown between Loopy Godinez and Ketlen Souza. Rising stars like Malcolm Wellmaker, Jai Herbert, and Julius Walker round out an intriguing card at the UFC Apex.

What is your prediction for Brendan Allen vs. Christian Leroy Duncan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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If Arman Tsarukyan wins the UFC lightweight title, he wants to go after one of Islam Makhachev's records.

Tsarukyan is set for a pivotal clash against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, and his camp claims he's been promised a title shot if he emerges victorious. The newly nicknamed “Batman†has long been considered the rightful No. 1 contender at 155 pounds by fans and pundits, but an emphatic performance on Sept. 19 might leave no doubt.

The No. 2-ranked lightweight on the Meta UFC and media panel rankings was scheduled to challenge Makhachev for the gold in early 2025, but he was pulled hours before the weigh-ins due to an injury. This would've been a rematch, as Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan via unanimous decision in their competitive 2019 bout. Makhachev has since moved up to become the welterweight champion, while some believe Tsarukyan is only now getting out of the UFC doghouse.

Appearing on Paramount+'s “Deep Waters,†Tsarukyan dismissed the idea of chasing a rematch with Makhachev at 170 pounds. Tsarukyan would rather set a new record at lightweight (h/t MMAFighting).

“Not yet,†Tsarukyan said. “At least five title defenses. … I want to beat the record in the lightweight division. So Islam had four defenses, so I want to make five and then we'll see or I retire or go up to 170, because I've got to gain weight for 170.â€

Reigning UFC lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje appears to be out for the remainder of 2026. “The Highlight†recently said that both his hands are injured, and he doesn't envision returning to the Octagon until 2027. If Tsarukyan becomes Gaethje's first challenger, he'll need to wait a little bit, but he has no issue staying active outside of UFC competition.

Do you think Arman Tsarukyan can top Islam Makhachev's run at lightweight, or will he run into issues at some point? Sound off in the comments below.

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